Senate President Miguel Zubiri has debunked speculations that a Senate Resolution denouncing China’s continued harassment in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will be seen as a “pro-US” strategy, saying it was adopted as part of the country’s continuing exercise of its options in the face of threats to its forces and its people.
Asked in a TV interview how real is the risk Senate Resolution No. 718 would be seen, as Senator Alan Cayetano warned, as an embodying pro-US sentiment should the Executive eventually decide to raise the issue with the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Zubiri said there is no such possibility.
“You know, in my resolution I removed whatever mention [there is] of the United States. In the initial Resolution of Sen. Risa Hontiveros, there was mention of like-minded countries like the United States, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. I had that removed, because I don’t care what…. I do not want this to be a geopolitical move. This is not a geopolitical move. I don’t want it to have a political color, that we are America’s minion that is why China is targeting us,” Zubiri said, partly in Filipino.
“There is nothing of that sort,” Zubiri stressed. “I want to remove that from the equation. Of course, we have a Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. I’m thankful that in case of conflict, they could come to our aid, that’s a big help. But my point is, this is an issue of sovereignty.”
He recalled pointing out in a media interview: “Imagine if a Chinese boat was just 80 nautical miles from Hawaii. I think the United States 7th Fleet will deploy several ships. Say, the Chinese boat is 80 nautical miles from the Russian coastline, even Russia would react. They will not agree to it. And even, as a matter of fact, the BRICS—note that’s composed of states like India, Brazil, Russia—they have one group. But India already has come out [with its position on China’s] Nine Dash Line.”
He noted that the BRICS countries, which are outside the ambit of western powers, have come out warning against China’s push of its Nine Dash Line claim “because it’s not right that it seeks to cover such a big part of the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.”
He cited another example, pointing with a ballpoint to a map: “If this were Palawan, 80 nautical miles is here from Northern Palawan and their closest, they were there last week; three weeks ago—almost a hundred ships!”
And yet, Zubiri said, the closest to China of the archipelago it claims is 600 nautical miles to Hainan province. That’s the island under China. That’s how far they are, so I’m surprised they can be so insistent on their claim. No rhyme, no reason, their conclusion of their territory is illogical. So my advice to them is, “Please get out of this area. It belongs to the Philippines.”
Zubiri was asked on a question raised by the French Ambassador to Manila on what is Manila’s expectation should the Executive decide to elevate the issue before the UNGA.
“The ambassador is asking what’s the point of taking it up to the UNGA? Well, it’s very simple: didn’t we win in the arbitral ruling, and 7 years have passed since the arbitral ruling. What’s stated in the arbitral ruling? It cites the 200-mile exclusive economic zone. Pag-Asa Island is 114 nautical miles from Palawan. Yet our friends from China, keep approaching [the area] committing many violations,” the Senate leader said.
He recalled the laser tagging incident by Chinese troops against personnel on the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard boats as well as the harassment of the supply lines not only for Pag-Asa Island, but also for Ayungin Shoal “which is much nearer to Palawan. They want to remove our soldiers there and take over Ayungin Shoal.”
The whole world should know about it because “if we don’t speak up and just keep filing diplomatic protests,” China will presume everything is well.
“So, we have to present this to the UNGA and show to our like-minded allies there, democratic countries there that believe in the rule of law and freedom of navigation, that there have been many violations since the arbitral ruling was given to us seven years ago.”
Image credits: ©2021 Maxar Technologies via AP